Commemorating Anzac Day
As Anzac Day 2024 approaches, final arrangements are being made at commemorative sites in Australia and around the world, as we prepare to remember the contributions all service men and women have made for more than a century since the First World War. On Anzac Day, all Australians are encouraged to reflect on this, whether as part of a commemorative service overseas, or in Australia.
The Australian War Memorial will once again host the national Dawn Service, which will be telecast live on ABC TV and streamed via DVA’s Facebook page.
Returned Services League of Australia (RSL) and other ex-service organisations, as well as state and territory governments, organise Anzac Day services throughout the country. You can find out about local services by getting in touch with your local RSL sub-branch or visiting the Anzac Day page on the RSL Australia website.
A number of Australian War Cemeteries and Gardens of Remembrance hold Anzac Day services. Please check the Commemorations page on the DVA website for up-to-date information.
If you are planning a commemorative service, or choosing to commemorate Anzac Day at home, the Department of Veterans’ Affair’s (DVA) digital kitbag of printable materials can help. The kitbag includes speeches, Orders of Service, commemorative music playlists, craft activities and more. To download these resources, visit the Anzac Portal.
Services held in Gallipoli in Türkiye, and Villers-Bretonneux in France, hold special meaning for Australians. They’re where many of those who served in the First World War fought and died, and were integral in the forging of the Anzac traditions that are embraced and carried on today by the Australian Defence Force.
Anyone planning to attend either of these two services must register for a free attendance pass by visiting commemorations.teg.com.au. The international Dawn Services will also be broadcast live on the ABC on Anzac Day and streamed live on DVA’s Facebook page.
Every year, the Australian Government works with local authorities to also hold safe, solemn and dignified Anzac Day services at significant sites where Australians fought and died in the Second World War: the Bomana War Cemetery and Isurava Memorial in Papua New Guinea, Hellfire Pass in Thailand, and the Sandakan Memorial Park in Malaysia. Please consult the DVA website for important information about participating in these services.
More information about Anzac Day overseas services is available on the Anzac Day page of the DVA website.